5 Best Rookie Wide Receivers in NFL History

It seems the NFL is becoming a more offensive league with every year that passes. Wide receiver talent is being drafted earlier and earlier each year, marking the trend of stocking up at the position.

Some receivers were drafted with high expectations but failed to live up to the hype, but plenty of receivers have come straight out of college and taken the league by storm.

Here are five of the best rookie wide receivers in NFL history.

#5 - Anquan Boldin

Anquan Boldin posted a below-average 4.7 40-yard dash prior to the 2003 NFL Draft, which saw his stock take a tumble. He fell to the Arizona Cardinals in the second-round. In his first career game, Boldin set an NFL record of the most receiving yards by a player in their first career game, with a whooping 217 yards in a loss to the Detroit Lions. He also had two touchdown catches in that incredible game.

Boldin’s rookie season carried on from there as on the year he recorded 101 receptions, 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns. He was the only rookie selected to the 2004 Pro Bowl, taking home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

#4 - Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr. has been an outstanding receiver throughout his career for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and L.A. Rams. His rookie season was a sign of things to come for Beckham Jr.

Coming out of LSU, he had 1,305 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming an instant sensation in the NFL. His 12 touchdowns were only bettered by veterans Dez Bryant, Antonio Brown and Jordy Nelson. The rookie receiver was awarded for his efforts, taking home the 2014 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Throwback to @obj's incredible rookie season!

(via @nflthrowback) https://t.co/ToE2o86DM9